Kris Benson Is “100 Percent,” Has Thrown For Two Teams

Gregg Clifton, the agent for right-hander Kris Benson, tells Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports that Benson is recovered from the arm injuries that has plagued him for the last three years and should be signed "within the next few weeks." Benson has had throwing sessions for two clubs, though Clifton didn't identify who the two interested teams were.

Benson spent the 2007 season recovering from rotator cuff surgery on his throwing arm. He spent 2008 pitching in the Phillies' minor league system (making it as high as Triple-A) and then joined the Rangers in 2009. The veteran righty battled elbow tendinitis and pitched in just eight games for Texas last season, posting an 8.46 ERA.

Even at full strength, don't expect a whole lot from Benson; his career ERA+ is exactly 100 and his last standout season came all the way back in 2000 (3.85 ERA, 2.14 K/BB ratio). Morosi speculates that Benson could be a target for teams who missed out on Ben Sheets, naming the Cubs, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Mariners, Nationals and Reds as possible suitors. Wherever Benson goes, look for him to sign a minor-league contract that would top out at around $1MM including incentives.

So Omar is a moron if he doesn’t sign a 35 year old pitcher who hasn’t even been healthy or league average in four years, and who also has an annoying, self centered wife who forced him out of NY the first time? That makes him a moron?

Kind of hope the Cubs stay away from him. Even if he’s healthy he’s not very good. Seems like the kind of project that Boston or St. Louis might want to take on but given the limited upside I doubt either are interested.